Burnout

Chapter 3.

Roy's POV:

I spend way too much time picking my outfit and doing my hair.

I think I'm turning into a girl. I should make that joke tonight!

Wait, no, I shouldn't, because she's a strong feminist.

Why can't I look the way I want to look? I can't wear a suit, that's too formal, so is my uniform, what else would I wear?

Crap! It's 5 already. I'm gonna be late.

I throw on a black t-shirt and some jeans. I throw on a black and white plaid as well. I look to casual, no one will recognize me.

Except Riza. She'll know it's me.

As soon as the thought of her enters my mind, my whole body explodes with butterflies.

This is the night.

I'm gonna ask her out. I have no idea how I'm gonna do it, but I will.

It may look stupid, but then again love isn't stupid, or meaningless.

Love is a feeling you get when you know that you would do anything for a person, when you would die for them.

So, basically, everything I feel about Riza.

I walk to the bar, well knowing that I'm gonna be drinking, and walk in to see Jean.

"Finally, someone shows up! I was afraid that everyone backed out on me!" He says, clearly already a little buzzed.

"You didn't wait for me to start drinking?" I ask.

"Naw, I just wanted a head start!"

"I'm not doing any heavy drinking tonight. I have something to do."

"At least share a drink with your old pal?"

"Of course."

"They have a cocktail here called a flame. Supposed to be the best drink in this bar."

"I'll try one. Bartender? May I have a 'Flame'?"

He snorts.

"A pretty boy like you can't handle a Flame!"

"Don't let looks deceive you, he's a real soldier!" Jean yells, then laughs at his own joke.

He gives it to me and I take a sip.

"Is there chilli powder in this?" I ask.

"A bit." He replies.

It's good. I take another sip.

"Chug, chug, chug," Jean starts.

"No way, not today Jean. Tonight is the night."

He gasps.

"You've finally worked up the balls to ask her out?"

"Yes I have."

"Good luck man," he says as he continues to gulp down his drink.

"Jean, slow it down! I need tonight to be perfect!"

"Ok, I got it. Jeez, don't be so uptight!"

Tonight must be perfect.

Riza's POV:

I can't get my hair right.

Low ponytail? Too trashy.

High ponytail? Too basic.

Dancer bun? Hair too short.

Regular bun? Usually wear it.

I have no other choice but to wear my hair down.

I take out the clip, letting it fall down on my shoulders, not like those shampoo commercials, though. It just falls.

I sigh, dissing through my limited makeup. I put on some concealer, some mascara and some lip gloss.

I look at myself in the mirror. My dress may be a bit over the top, but I wouldn't know. I don't usually go to these.

The simple black dress covered in a beautiful lace is the nicest thing I have, minus my uniform.

I put on a pair of black 3 inch heels.

I look ok.

"How do I look Hayate?" I ask.

He barks as a reply.

"Thanks boy. I should probably feed you before I leave." I say as I walk over to his food bowl.

I pour in some food into his bowl, and put some cheese on top. He loves cheese.

I pick up my keys and lock the door to my tiny apartment.

I walk down the stairs, exit the building, and get into my small car.

I freeze. Am I going to drink tonight?

Probably. I decide to walk.

I look through the store windows, admiring the gadgets.

I see an empty store and look at my self in the mirror.

Oh no. No no no no no.

This dress is shorter than I thought, and the low cut that I thought was cute looked slutty.

Shit. They may think I'm just another slut, like a lot of the girls in Central.

Crap. I slap myself mentally.

When I get in, I am not taking off my coat.

I reach the bar, and stand outside for a minute. I can see everyone inside, and Jean appears to already be drunk.

And I see Roy, in his casual attire. He's wearing a shirt that perfectly outlines his muscles.

He's sitting there, head leaning casually on his fingers, like he always does.

He holds a cocktail in his hands. I didn't take him for a cocktail kind of guy.

I take a deep breath, pull my jacket a little tighter, and walk in, my best face on.

Tonight must be perfect.